LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Colonel Glenn K. Rieth, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, announced the nomination of Colonel Emil H. Philibosian for the position of Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Philibosian is a decorated Vietnam Veteran with more than 33 years of active duty and reserve service. He is currently the Managing Shareholder for Philibosian, Russell, Killmurray & Killeally, P.C. Municipal Law, Transactional Practice Group. Colonel Philibosian is the also the Commander of the 1079th US Army Garrison, US Army Reserve, at Fort Dix. His duties have included the mobilization of forces for Bosnia and Kosovo, and more recently, for deployments in connection with Homeland Defense. 

 The Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs oversees all veterans programs administered by the State of New Jersey and includes operation of the three State Veterans Memorial Homes, the Doyle Veterans Cemetery, and the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. New Jersey is estimated to be the eighth most populous veteran state with almost 700,000 veterans. 

 In making the announcement, Rieth said, “Although we have had to make some heavy cuts to deal with the budget crisis, our care for veterans will not be diminished. We have cut some people, but not programs – our service to our State’s veterans remains a number one priority. Our choice for the new Deputy Commissioner reflects that commitment to our veterans by the tremendous credentials Colonel Philibosian brings to this job.”

 Philibosian is a graduate of Fort Lee High School and has a BA in English from Rutgers University. He graduated Fordham University Law School in 1975. He joined the Army in 1968, was commissioned through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, attended Airborne training, Special Warfare School, and the Special Forces Officer course, graduating as a Green Beret. He commanded a Pathfinder Detachment in Vietnam from 1969-1970 where he was awarded the Silver Star, the Soldiers Medal, two Bronze Stars for valor, a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry. After joining the Army Reserve in 1979 he served in a number of command and staff positions, culminating in his current command. Philibosian resides in Belle Meade, N.J.

 If you have questions regarding this appointment, please contact Colonel John Dwyer, Public Affairs Officer at 609-530-6939.